Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee

[Porridge Recipes]

[Porridge Composition] 30 to 60 grams of Herba Artemisiae Scopariae, 30 to 60 grams of japonica rice, and an appropriate amount of white sugar.

[Indications and Effects] Eliminates damp-heat and resolves jaundice. Applicable for acute infectious icteric hepatitis, dysuria, and dark yellow urine resembling strong tea.

[Decoction Method] First, wash the Herba Artemisiae Scopariae, decoct it to obtain the juice, remove the dregs, add an appropriate amount of water and polished round-grained rice to cook porridge. When it is nearly cooked, add an appropriate amount of white sugar and continue to boil for one or two boils.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Artemisiae Scopariae Herba is a well-known principal herb for supports jaundice in medical practice. Artemisiae Scopariae Herba is also called Capillaris Herba or Mian Yinchen (soft Artemisiae Scopariae Herba). It refers to the young stems and leaves of Artemisia capillaris Thunb., a plant from the Asteraceae family. It is harvested in spring when the seedlings are about three inches tall, as harvesting later reduces its efficacy. As the saying goes, “Artemisiae Scopariae Herba in March, wormwood in April, and firewood in May,” indicating that late harvesting diminishes its medicinal potency and value. Artemisiae Scopariae Herba is distributed across most regions of China, primarily produced in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Anhui. The best quality is characterized by tenderness, softness, grayish-green color, and a strong aroma.

Artemisiae Scopariae Herba has a slightly bitter taste, is cool in nature and non-toxic, and possesses a unique aroma. It is used to supports jaundice and was first recorded in the Han Dynasty’s Shennong Bencao Jing (Classic of the Materia Medica), and its use for supports jaundice has continued to this day, spanning over two thousand years. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the formation of jaundice is primarily due to the steaming of the Liver, gallbladder, Spleen, and stomach by damp-heat pathogens, and Artemisiae Scopariae Herba is specifically effective in clearing and draining damp-heat. Therefore, even when used alone, it can yield good results. As stated in the ancient pharmacopeia Ben Cao Zheng Yi (Materia Medica Justice): “Artemisiae Scopariae Herba, with its mild taste facilitating diuresis, is a specialized drug for supports damp-heat in the Spleen and stomach. Conditions such as damp jaundice, alcoholic jaundice, yellowing of the body, and dark red urine like soy sauce paste are all signs of imbalance of damp-heat accumulation in the stomach. Throughout ancient and modern times, this herb has been the main supports, with rapid and significant effects.” According to pharmacological research, this herb has cholagogic effects, increasing bile secretion, and also possesses antipyretic properties. This sufficiently proves that the clinical实践经验 accumulated over thousands of years is indeed valuable. Recent clinical reports indicate that using Artemisiae Scopariae Herba alone, at a dosage of 30 to 45 grams per dose, to supports 32 cases of jaundice-type infectious hepatitis resulted in rapid fever reduction after administration, with significant effects on the disappearance of jaundice and the reduction of Liver and Spleen enlargement. The average course of supports was 7 days, with no side effects observed.

The use of Capillaris Herb (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba) to make porridge has been recorded by the ancients. In Porridge Recipes by Huang Yunhu of the Qing Dynasty, it is written: “Capillaris Herb porridge expels dampness and supports jaundice.” There is a subtlety in the combined application here. Patients with jaundice-type hepatitis often suffer from loss of appetite and reduced food intake. If Capillaris Herb is decocted and taken alone, although it can supports jaundice, it cannot replenish nutrients. Eating thin porridge alone, while certainly providing some help to hepatitis patients by replenishing fluids and increasing nutrition, lacks the effect of promoting bile secretion and resolving jaundice. Making porridge by boiling Capillaris Herb with japonica rice combines replenishment with supports, integrating medicinal and dietary therapies, and can achieve twice the result with half the effort. Adding white sugar when making the porridge not only has the function of protecting the Liver but also counteracts the bitterness of Capillaris Herb. Even during the recovery period of jaundice hepatitis, if patients persist in consuming Capillaris Herb porridge, it will be of great help for the complete recovery from the wellness.

[Precautions] When cooking Capillaris Congee, it should be thin rather than thick. Only japonica rice should be used for the rice selection, and glutinous rice should not be used. The supports course should last for 7 to 10 days, and it should be taken 2 to 3 times a day. Both “yin jaundice” and “yang jaundice” as described in traditional Chinese medicine can consume it. However, it should not be taken for “yellowish and sallow complexion wellness” caused by hookworms.

Q1: What is Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee used for?

A1: Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee is used to eliminate damp-heat and resolve jaundice, making it particularly applicable for acute infectious icteric hepatitis. It also helps with dysuria and dark yellow urine resembling strong tea. This congee is a traditional remedy in Chinese medicine for these conditions.

Q2: How to make Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee recipe?

A2: To make Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee, first wash 30 to 60 grams of Herba Artemisiae Scopariae and decoct it to obtain the juice, then remove the dregs. Add an appropriate amount of water and 30 to 60 grams of japonica rice to the juice, cook until the rice forms a thick congee, and finally add white sugar to taste. This method ensures the medicinal properties are properly extracted.

Q3: How much Herba Artemisiae Scopariae to use in congee?

A3: The recommended amount of Herba Artemisiae Scopariae to use in congee is 30 to 60 grams. This dosage is paired with 30 to 60 grams of japonica rice and an appropriate amount of white sugar. It is important to follow this range to achieve the desired therapeutic effects for conditions like acute infectious icteric hepatitis.

Q4: Is Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee effective for jaundice?

A4: Yes, Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee is effective for jaundice, specifically for acute infectious icteric hepatitis, as it resolves damp-heat and promotes bile flow. The herbs are known to clear heat and expel dampness, which helps reduce bilirubin levels and alleviate symptoms like dark urine. This congee is a supportive dietary therapy in traditional medicine.

Q5: Can Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee help with dysuria?

A5: Herba Artemisiae Scopariae Congee can help with dysuria, as it is indicated for conditions involving damp-heat that cause difficult or painful urination. The herb’s properties promote diuresis and resolve dampness, easing urinary discomfort. However, it is best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan guided by a healthcare professional.